” I oppose all forms of hatred and oppression and I strongly support communities that are marginalized and affected every day. So says Kyrie Irving a few days after the controversy arose from his remarks and his promotion of an anti-Semitic film. To materialize this support, he and the Nets will each donate $500,000 to groups that work against all forms of hate.
For the record, the Brooklyn leader had posted a link on his Twitter account, promoting a 2018 film titled “Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America” “). A film based on a book of the same name which intends to demonstrate the theory of the “Black Hebrew Israelites”, according to which the Israelites of the Old Testament were in fact blacks, and that the current blacks are their descendants. According to the most radical proponents of this theory, blacks would thus have been “deprived of their identity as God’s chosen people” by white European Jews.
” I am aware of the negative impact of my message on the Jewish community and I take responsibility for it. I don’t believe that everything said in the documentary is true or reflects my morals and principles. I am a human being who learns from all walks of life and I intend to do so with an open mind and a willingness to listen. So my family and I did not mean to harm any group, race or religion of people, and only wish to be a beacon of truth and light. “, Formulated the Nets player.
“We are ready to take up this challenge”
The statement of the latter was joint with his franchise, as well as with the “Anti-Defamation League” (ADL), an American NGO whose goal is to support Jews against all forms of anti-Semitism and discrimination. The franchise and its player have indicated that they will work with the ADL in “ an effort to develop training that is inclusive and combats all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry “.
” At a time when anti-Semitism has reached historic levels, we know that the best way to combat the most entrenched hatred is both to confront it head-on and also to change hearts and minds. With this partnership, the ADL will work with the Nets and Kyrie to open dialogue and improve understanding “, Posted Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL in the joint press release.
The signatories consider that “ The events of the past week have stirred many emotions within the Nets organization, our community in Brooklyn and the nation. The public debate that followed raised awareness of the challenges we face as a society when it comes to combating hate and hate speech. We are ready to take up this challenge. »
